GLEN ELLYN – It is the end of an era for Glenbard South athletics, and what an era it has been.

After 12 years as the Raiders' athletic director and 33 years overall in education, John Treiber is set to retire, with his last official day on June 30. He will continue at the school until Aug. 29, primarily helping new AD Tim Carlson, who comes over from St. Viator.

"It's been a nice ride for me," Treiber said. "It's been great to finish my career at a school like Glenbard South. There have been a lot of changes since I started 12 years ago. The class expansion [including four in some sports] has been a huge boost to our athletic program and I was glad to be a part of it. It's been a good run."

Glenbard South has captured 11 state trophies in its history, 10 during Treiber's reign.

"I think the biggest thing is the coaches I've had," Treiber said. "... We've had a good group of coaches who are passionate about their sports and are good teachers of the game and that's been a huge plus for us.

"We've always been known as a great academic school but now we are on par with some of the best programs in the state athletically, especially in our size, and that's pretty cool," said Treiber, who praised the parents, administration and community for their support.

Of course, there's no success on the field without good athletes. Treiber noted that many Glenbard South athletes have gone on to successful college careers.

"Our numbers might not be as big as some of the larger schools in the area but our starters are as good as anybody," he said.

One thing Treiber had a direct hand in was the expansion of the Metro Suburban Conference. Next year, the league will double in size to 14 schools.

Before Glenbard South landing in the MSC, Treiber watched the program move from the Suburban Prairie to the Western Sun Conference, which then folded after the 2009-10 school year, leaving the Raiders without a home for a year.

"That was the worst time at Glenbard South," Treiber said. "I had to schedule nine nonconference football games.

"After one year of that, we were able to get into the MSC and that was my push, that the conference has got to continue to grow. You can now have a better balance in the conference."

Treiber might not be around on a daily basis next fall to see the fruits of his labor, but his contributions won't soon be forgotten.

"He has done a phenomenal job," said Julie Fonda, Glenbard South assistant athletic director and girls softball and basketball coach. "He put in a ton of work looking for a new conference. I don't know of anybody who would have put in all those hours to do that.

"On a personal note, he's been a tremendous supporter of my programs and of me as a coach."

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Number to know

5: Schools that John Treiber has worked at during his 33-year education career. Along with Glenbard South, he also had stops at Wheeling, Willowbrook, Elmwood Park and Morton.

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Fond farewell

Longtime athletic secretary Gwen Hay also is retiring. She has been a part of the athletic department at South for more than 17 years and a part of the district for 31 years.